Set in the city of Pondicherry, a Union Territory in South East India, the documentary uncovers the story of disappearing cycle rickshaw drivers living in abject poverty. Over time, the city has experienced a gradual but alarming reduction in the number of cycle rickshaws thereby diminishing the chances of living of those who depend on them. What used to be one of the primary modes of transport in the city is now a fading memory with the few remaining ones staging a difficult survival. The film explores some of the ethical dimensions of man pulling man against the background of increasingly menacing effects of motorized transport and pollution. It also takes you through the rickshaw men's journey of hope on the roads that have fostered them.
Representing one facet of India's population below poverty line, these unflagging men perpetually struggle to eat one satisfying meal a day. But what is remarkable is the essence of some who believe in making a difference in an apparently hopeless livelihood. While India's big cities are racing towards globalization and technology, these men, against all odds, remain appreciative of their modest lives by believing in the power of now.
Portraying the immediacy and desolation of the situation the film highlights a catalytic change revolutionizing India's economic and social future from the grass roots level. Juxtaposing the way of life of these men with definitive solutions, the film answers the question of how these changes can trickle down to the roots of India's soil.

For futher information visit http://accessiblehorizonfilms.com/domovie.php?name=menofburden


This movie is part of the collection: Community Video

Producer: Raghu Jeganathan, Ramesh Mourthy, Mohandass Radhakrishnan, Kousalya Jeganathan
Audio/Visual: sound, color
Keywords: Men of Burden; Accessible Horizon films; Documentary; Pondicherry; Rickshaw

Creative Commons license: Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States

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